‘An emotional one’: Aussie women claim bronze in Dubai

A stunning breakaway try from 18-year-old Lily Dick earned the Australian women's team a bronze medal at the Dubai Sevens as they edged the United States 26-21 in a thrilling third place playoff.

Scores were locked 21-all with time elapsed on the clock when Dick, playing in her first World Series tournament, gathered the ball 40 metres out from the line and powered away from the tiring US defence for the decisive score.

Earlier, Australia looked on course for the gold medal match after crushing England 27-12 in the quarterfinal before losing after the siren to Canada 15-10 in the semifinal.

"It's been an emotional one, but I'm really proud of the girls, the courage they showed," Australian coach John Manenti said.

Charlotte Caslick of Australia runs with the ball at The Sevens Stadium in Dubai.

"We had two games where full time was all square and one we won (USA) and one we lost (Canada).

"We played well this morning (against England) but it's been one of those days.

"We were down to 10 players at the end there and the girls had to fight pretty hard." Speaking of his surprise matchwinner Manenti added: "The two young girls (17-year-old) Sariah Paki and Lily just went from strength to strength and the more I played them the better they got.

"Lily ended up winning the game after playing 14 minutes - so just phenomenal from them."

The New Zealand Black Ferns claimed the gold medal with a comfortable 26-14 victory over Canada in the final.

Australia's women are in action next in Sydney from February 1-3 where they will be bolstered by the return of stars Emilee Cherry, Shannon Parry and Emma Tonegato.

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